Folk signs for February 17: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the popular signs of Tuesday, February 17th, and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for February 17th
In Russia, on February 17, the feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated. It was believed that before giving way to spring, winter showed its "temper" for the last time. Therefore, the frosts at this time were especially severe. Hence the nickname — Studyj. In the old days they used to say: "Nikola has come, keep your eyes open." There was also a proverb: "The frosts are fierce on the Cold Nicholas, but the days are bright."
On this day, the peasants paid attention to household chores: they checked the stocks of firewood and livestock feed, inspected the stables and barns. Women were engaged in needlework, spinning and mending clothes, men repaired inventory. Special attention was paid to the hearth at home: they tried to keep the fire even and clean so that warmth and prosperity would remain in the house.
Great importance was attached to the weather signs on St. Nicholas. For example, they said: "Nikola Studenyi is paving the way for warmth." If there were severe frosts on this day, then an early and warm spring was expected. And if the day was cloudy and snowy, it was assumed that winter would be delayed.
Other signs of the day:
- A clear sunny day leads to stable weather without sudden changes.;
- blizzard and blizzard — to prolonged cold weather;
- The starry sky at night leads to increased frost;
- hoarfrost on trees — for a dry and warm spring;
- Crows are cawing loudly for the snowfall.
What not to do on February 17th
Certain prohibitions were also associated with Nikolai Studenov. It was believed that on this day one should not be frivolous and neglect household duties. Our ancestors feared that carelessness could lead to losses or illnesses. For example, it was not recommended to go on a long journey unless absolutely necessary — the road could be difficult due to frosts. They also avoided quarrels and loud family showdowns.
What else can't be done on February 17th:
- starting big business can take a long time and not bring results.;
- leaving the house unattended leads to possible troubles;
- quarreling with loved ones leads to lasting resentment;
- being lazy and postponing work leads to economic losses;
- complaining about fate leads to a deterioration of mood and discord in the house.
What is the church holiday on February 17th?
On February 17 (February 4, Old Style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of St. Nicholas the Studite. The saint lived in the 9th century and practiced asceticism in the Studium Monastery in Constantinople. He was a disciple of St. Theodore the Studite and is known for his firmness in professing the Orthodox faith during the period of iconoclastic disputes. He was persecuted and imprisoned for his faithfulness to church teaching. After his release, he continued his monastic life, distinguished by strict austerities and spiritual guidance.
On the same day, St. Cyril Bely, Novoezersky, who lived in the XV–XVI centuries, is remembered. He came from a pious family and aspired to a monastic life from a young age. Cyril founded a monastery on the White Lake, where he led a strict hermit lifestyle. The monk became famous for his humility, prayerful asceticism, and concern for his brethren. His monastery became the spiritual center of the Novgorod land.
The memory of these saints is associated with an example of perseverance and inner discipline. Both ascetics left their mark in the history of the church as mentors and guardians of Christian traditions. Their lives remind us of the importance of patience and faithfulness to beliefs even in difficult times.
Prayers on February 17th
Believers turn to St. Nicholas the Studite with requests for spiritual strength, steadfastness in faith and help in overcoming life's trials. They pray to St. Cyril of Novoezersk for family peace, support in his endeavors, and the preservation of inner peace. Saints are also asked for help in making important decisions and strengthening their will.
Prayer to Nicholas the Student
"Oh, our all-merciful Father Nicholas, by God's will, the shepherd and teacher of all who, with firm faith and trust in the Lord, turn to His protection through you and implore you with warm prayer: make haste and, by God's power and grace, protect the flock of Christ from the wolves that destroy it. Protect our Ukraine, and every Christian country, and the whole world, and preserve it with your holy prayers from earthquakes, the onslaught of foreign enemies, and popular uprisings, civil strife; from famine, pestilence, flood, fire, sword, and sudden death, protect every human being. And just as you had mercy on three men who were in prison and saved them from the wrath of the king and the punishment of death, so have mercy on us, because in mind, word and deed we are in the darkness of sins. Protect us from the consequences we deserve, and especially the eternal torment of hell, but so that through our prayers and through your intercession and help, and through His grace and mercy, Christ God may grant us in sincere repentance, conversion and humility to live quietly and without sin in this world, and not condemn us to stand on the left, but vouchsafe Stand on the right with all the saints. Amen to that."
Prayer to Cyril of Novoezersk
"O great saint, glorious wonderworker, blessed Cyril! Stand before the throne of God in heaven with your soul and enjoy the Threefold glory, but rest on earth with your body in this Divine temple and exude various miracles from it with the grace given from above: look with a merciful eye upon the people who are coming more honorable than your robe and those who ask for your powerful help. Therefore, as one who has acquired boldness, ask for the welfare of the Church, the health of the air, and the fruitfulness of the earth. Deliver all those who come to God with infinite faith and reverently venerate your healing power from all troubles of mind and body, from all longings and longings of the devil. May we guide you through your prayers, let us make our way to earth comfortably for our short-term life: let us find endless peace in heaven and glorify together with you the Giver of all good things, the one in the Trinity glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia told what they pray to St. John Chrysostom.
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